Aim: To determine the cytogenetic effect of betel leaf, areca nut and tobacco mixture usage among female
construction workers in Tamilnadu, Southern India. Methods: Totally 236 buccal cells and blood samples
were collected from 80 betel quid users and 76 users with tobacco snuffing habit which were compared
with 80 healthy subjects. Peripheral blood leukocyte cultures were analyzed for chromosomal aberrations
(CA) and exfoliated cells from the buccal mucosa were examined for micronucleus (MN). Results:
Statistically significant (p<0.01) increase in CA and MN were observed in users with snuffing habit when
compared to users without snuffing habit and controls as confirmed by chi-square test. Therefore, specific
biomarkers on cytogenetic endpoints might help in planning precautionary measures to reduce oral cancer
risks. Conclusions: The present study can be concluded that a mixture of betel quid, areca nut and
tobacco chewing/snuffing is unsafe for oral health. The genotoxic effect of smokeless tobacco should be
considered in addition to other known hazards for assessing health risks.